Slobbery kisses and Iditarod dreams are what a dogsled ride with Krabloonik is all about. Two adults and a child can fit, tucked into the sled sitting down and wrapped up warm and cozy like a burrito as a musher leans in behind to guide a 10-pack of husky pups — hybrids of Malamute, Eskimo, and Siberian — through the surrounding Snowmass and Aspen wilderness winter wonderland on a trail with sections named “The Rollercoaster” and “The Hairpin.” Half-day morning and afternoon rides include a three-course lunch; twilight rides come with a four-course dinner. Either promises dishes such as wild mushroom tart, house-smoked trout, elk medallions and duck confit, with white and dark chocolate mousse. Cost: Daytime $285 (adult), $195 (ages 3-8); twilight $340, $270. Krabloonik, 4250 Divide Road, Snowmass Village, 970-923-3953, — Kyle Wagner
Stay: The Viceroy Snowmass is that rare big, beautiful, new hotel that doesn’t proclaim its green-ness but actually walks the walk. All of the rooms, from studio to four-bedroom, feature a kitchen set-up and plenty of space, dreamy beds and spacious bathrooms. The upscale restaurant, Eight K, is fantastic for three meals a day, and the DJ-driven pool scene après ski is fun. Spa, fitness center, ski-in/ski-out to Fanny Hill. Rates start at $390. (130 Wood Road, 888-622-4567, viceroy )
Dine: There are plenty of upscale spots to choose from in the Roaring Fork Valley, but sometimes you just need a few slices and a cold one. Enter Taster’s, a casual pizza joint that serves medium- thick pies ($11.99 for plain, 14-inch) with big, fat handles and fresh, heavily layered toppings. It’s also hard not to fill up on the puffy breadsticks ($3.99) and garlic bread ($3.99), and they have pasta and sandwiches, too. 16 Kearns Road, Snowmass Center, 970-923-5250,
Snowmass is 184 miles west of Denver via Interstate 70 and Colorado 82.
